Abortion is often in danger of being seen as a “side” issue in the Church. In other words, it’s recognized as important, but not critical. Some clergy don’t even think issues like abortion are appropriate or crucial enough to take a stand for from the pulpit.
On the other hand, the ministry of Anglicans for Life and the faithfulness of life leaders and chapter leaders, along with priests and bishops who partner with us in our mission, seek to educate the Church about life issues and equip them for advocacy and ministry within their communities.
Statistically, one fourth of the women in the United States will have an abortion by age 45. That means that approximately 25% of the women in your church have had an abortion, and even more men and women are indirectly impacted by an abortion decision. Knowing the reality of abortion from my personal experience, that is horrifying. There are so many people, going to so many different churches, who are struggling with the aftermath of an abortion, whether that’s physically, emotionally, relationally, or spiritually.
To top it off, they’re not hearing anyone talk about why the issue of abortion matters to God or speaking of the healing and forgiveness that Jesus offers to them. They may be thinking that abortion is no big deal, that eventually the pain will just go away, or that abortion is the “unforgiveable sin” so they might as well learn to live with the grief and guilt as their lifelong punishment. That is why abortion is indeed a critical issue, and why we need to start treating it as such.
I know that we can be creating conversations about abortion better than we already are. I know that God wants us to be doing it better. That’s why this week’s Action idea is to share this outstanding new resource, When the Church is Silent, with you! It is written by AFL Board Member, the Rev. W. Ross Blackburn. In this booklet, Ross uses the 10 Commandments to show us the danger of remaining silent in the face of abortion and the importance of the witness of the church to protect and uphold the sanctity of life.
This is a great booklet to use to educate members of your church who possibly don’t see the life issues as crucial ones for the church to be dealing with. Ross does a great job of inspiring us to proclaim the importance of life, even in a society that makes abortion, assisted suicide, and euthanasia look normal and even desirable.
To get your copy, visit the Anglicans for Life shop. You can read the PDF online or share it with your priest, friends and family.
